The Metamorphosis of Recovery
July 19, 2016
How does one become a butterfly?
You must want to fly so much that you give up being a caterpillar.
~Trina Paulus
On a beautiful sunny afternoon in June, friends, family, the Ladies of Charity, the Epiphany League, sponsors, and staff gathered to celebrate the metamorphosis of two extraordinary women who have graduated from Epiphany Center’s Recovery Program. These two women found the courage and perseverance to work on the Self, which Executive Director Sister Estela assures us, “is one of the hardest things we can do”.
Residential Coordinator Deborah Hodges led us through a powerful prayer before presenting certificates of graduation to both women. Director of Children’s Services, Cheryl Sundheim, then presented each woman with a parenting education certificate, while sharing heartfelt stories about each woman’s development as a mother. Cheryl honored the strength of each mom’s bond with her child, “I just want to say how much I appreciate your willingness to listen to new ideas regarding children, family and parenting, and choosing the ones that are the best to incorporate into your own family philosophy.” As staff gave their speeches, it was clear just how profound of a transformation each woman has undergone.
And then we had the honor of hearing the first graduate speak:
This has been a long journey. And I made it.
And the second graduate:
“All I know is that I’m grateful that I got the opportunity to have my daughter at Epiphany. Because if it wasn’t for this place, I wouldn’t have her. She would have been taken from me. Epiphany changed my life. And I knew that I had to change my life because I had been on the streets for over three years; I didn’t know how to even interact with people. It’s taught me a lot about how to connect with people and how to get back into the world and society. That’s what I’m working on now”
Finally, audience members were invited up to the podium to give affirmations to the graduates as they continue their journey of Recovery. Person after person stood up and attested to the hard work each woman has done to become a graduate. Deborah described both graduates as butterflies. When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, the transformation is undeniable. Often, we don't remember the caterpillar, because all we see now is a butterfly. Butterflies are powerful symbols of hope, endurance and transformation. Butterflies possess the ability to change, and the courage to leave the safety of their cocoon to discover a new world. Deborah concluded:
Look at the transformation! Look at the blessing!
When you want the transformation, when you surrender—isn’t it powerful?